Intermediate TEAchers of Mathematics (ITEAM) is a unique opportunity for outstanding Nebraska elementary and middle-school teachers willing to accept the challenge of returning to graduate school to study mathematics and the teaching of mathematics. Faculty and graduate students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln also are engaging in research to help us learn more about the potential of programs such as ITEAM to impact the mathematical achievement of children from elementary through high school.
Currently Not Accepting Applications
There are two applications to complete by the deadline. First, please apply to ITEAM via the Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education. Create an Account and then log in to complete each of the steps, which will include uploading your resume, one letter of recommendation, and an essay, as well as a principal notification.
Second, please apply to UNL as a post-baccalaureate, non-degree student via CollegeNET. Once you create an account in CollegeNet, and reach the Program Selection step, type in "post" and select the "Post-Baccalaureate (Non-Degree)" program as your degree objective. For transcripts that you upload on your own, they are considered “unofficial” but sufficient for application review. Please note that you will have to pay a $50 application fee. More information about transcripts
To request financial aid, you can complete a third application via the NMSSI website. While a 20% tuition discount should apply for the ITEAM summer courses (approval coming soon), teachers can apply for additional NMSSI Fellowships to further reduce the costs at this link.
ITEAM focuses on grades 4-6 teachers
ITEAM allows teachers of grades 4-6 to take 18 credit hours of graduate mathematics courses designed specifically for elementary and middle-level teachers. ITEAM is ideal for fourth- to sixth-grade teachers who enjoy teaching mathematics and who seek to develop special strengths in mathematical and pedagogical knowledge, which leads to enhanced learning in their classrooms. Our experience is that teachers who complete our courses become important resources for their colleagues with respect to mathematics teaching and learning. Teachers in 7th- and 8th-grade may also find ITEAM useful.
The ITEAM Program
Each ITEAM summer institute uses a concentrated immersion approach. During summers, classes meet daily (Monday-Friday) for two weeks. At the end of a course, teachers complete an End-of-Course assignment designed to support the long-term retention of material studied in the course. While this experience is intense, support for participants is substantial. This approach has proved to be quite popular with teachers because it protects most of the summer for other activities.
During fall and spring courses, participants take a course using a "blended distance education" format. Teachers will attend some in-person course meetings on Saturdays, and will complete other assignments online via UNL's Canvas system. The two academic year courses are the same education courses that Primarily Math participants take, with a shifted focus to upper elementary, rather than lower elementary, students.
Below is sample course structure.
| Course | Number | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Math 800T | Mathematics as a Second Language |
| 2 | Math 802T or Math 804P | Functions, Algebra and Geometry or Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom |
| 3 | TEAC 836G | Professional Development: Mathematics Leadership |
| 4 | TEAC 807C | Equitable Practices in Mathematics Education: Classroom Discourse |
| 5 | Math 802T | Functions, Algebra and Geometry |
| 6* | TEAC 808G | Improvement of Instruction in School Mathematics: Manipulatives |